5 Lean, Mean Profit Machines

These companies squeeze plenty of profits from their workers

Murphy Oil

Employees: 3,206Profit Per Employee: $436,883

Oil and gas exploration and production company Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR) is a relatively small gasoline retailer and wholesaler with marketing operations in the U.S. and refining and marketing operations in the United Kingdom.

The company’s roots go back to 1907, when the first oil production was established in the Caddo Field in north Louisiana, and today, business activities are conducted by wholly owned subsidiaries while Murphy Oil Corporation acts as a holding company. All told, Murphy brings in just more than $7 billion in annual sales.

Murphy is reaping the benefits of a partnership with Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT), which allows it to operate gas stations that also carry snacks, beverages and tobacco products on Wal-Mart store locations. Margins on the snack side are strong, and the company is looking to expand the relationship further.